Hailing from the town of Belleville and refined by the bustling pulse of the big city, Kathleen’s vibrant career intersected at the front lines of Toronto’s social services into the heart of the community arts sector. Throughout her life, she has used expressive art as a tool to empower others and foster neighbourhood enrichment and connection.
Her journey hasn’t always been a straight line, but a series of meaningful departures: traveling the world, teaching, pursuing further education but always a student of the human experience.
Her arrival in Elliot Lake in 2013 was not just a relocation, but an unravelling. From the ashes of a personal collapse, she fell into the arms of her estranged mother. What followed was a decade of radical reclamation. Here, the ancient wisdom of the land speaks through Kathleen’s voice, reflecting sharp contrasts. Of longing and belonging in a period of unimagined creativity and a healing relationship with her mother and our Great Mother Earth.
From this profound journey into the sacred wilderness emerges The Language of Trees. An ode to loss and grief, made beautiful through unshakeable faith and the indomitable spirit of resilience. It reflects the power of the Divine Feminine, that resides within us all.
Kathleen’s art and poetry guide you through the wreckage into the light of profound transformative growth.
Currently (2026) Kathleen transitioned from the northern wilderness to civilization (but not too much of it) of Cobourg Ontario, a kinder and gentler being, made whole.
You’re invited to discover the sacred beauty waiting in the wild corners of your life, heart & soul.
Creative Background
Art Program Facilitator
2016 Activities Coordinator/Facilitator, Hillside Retirement Home, Elliot Lake
2013 Humber Community Senior Services for clients, volunteers & staff
2012 Fairview Community Health Centre, March Break for Newcomer Families
1991/96 Ecuhome Parkdale, weekly expressive arts programming for at risk adults
Writing
2023 The Language of Trees, Art & Poetry, by K Burke, Rebel Spirit Publishing/Amazon
2015 Playwright: Finding Dana, A one act play; performance, Elliot Lake
2015 Creative Connections: Collaborative writer/artists J & J Lindamood, Elliot Lake
2014 Creative Connections: Collaborative writer artists J & J Lindamood, Elliot Lake
2013 Creative Connections: Collaborative writer artist/Christine Roberts, Elliot Lake
2013/17 NNG Writing Group, Elliot Lake
2007 Canadian Voices Volume II, Bookland Press, two poems
Exhibitions
2025 Gaia Rising: Featured Artist, Timber Village Museum & Gallery, Blind River
2022 Group Summer Art Show, Timber Village Museum & Gallery, Blind River
2021 Group Summer Art Show, Timber Village Museum & Gallery, Blind River
2020 Kaleidoscope Abstractions, featured artist, Timber Village Museum, Blind River
2019 Elemental: Featured Artist, Art Gallery, Belleville
2015 Bricollage Group Exhibition, Elliot Lake Civic Centre
2014 Elliot Lake Arts on the Trail, Annual Juried Exhibition
2013/17 Elliot Lake Art Gallery, Member Artist & Guest Artist Coordinator
Artist Awards
2013 NNG Open Mic Writers’ Competition: Poetry Prize, Elliot Lake
2013 Lakeshore Arts President’s Award for contribution to organization & community
2006 Toronto Full Circle poetry award: 3rd place & honourable mention
Member
2016/20 League of Canadian Poets, Assoc. Member
2013/20 Elliot Lake Art Gallery, artist/volunteer
Open mic Poet
The Rivoli & Big Guy Café, Toronto
Java Jolt Café & Dunlop Lake Lodge, Elliot Lake
Guest Poet
Jan 2016 Elliot Lake Civic Centre Coffee House
Feb 2015 Elliot Lake Civic Centre Coffee House
May 2006 Beyond Boundaries, Annual International Arts Festival, Mississauga,
Articles & Reviews
SNAP Etobicoke, Lakeshore Villages, Humber Happenings
The Echo Ecuhome newsletter
Burkedits: editing/writing services for ESL clients
Volunteer Work
2013/23: ARIEL (Elliot Lake Arts Council) Board Secretary
2001/02: SERP (South Etobicoke Regeneration Project), Director
1999/00: Arts Etobicoke, Director/Volunteer
1999/00 Arts Etobicoke, Youth Without Shelter Advisory Committee
1998/03: Lakeshore Arts: Secretary, President, Ex-Officio
1991/02: PARC (Parkdale Activity & Recreation Centre) for at risk adults
Employment (retired)
2017/19 Manager, Dunlop Lodge, Elliot Lake
2011/13 Project Manager, Lakeshore Arts, Toronto
2003/11 Gallery & Program Director, Lakeshore Arts, Toronto
2001/03 Attendant & Gallery Coordinator: The Assembly Hall Cultural Centre
1992/99 Housing Support Worker Ecuhome: Parkdale Project
1991 ESL Teacher Slovak Artist’s Union, Bratislava, Slovakia
1990 Volunteer Program Coordinator, Education for Democracy, Toronto
Professional Training & Education
2012 The Business of Art Certificate, Cultural Careers Council of Ontario
2011 Women’s Circle Facilitator Certificate: Star of Ishtar Mystery School
2000/01 Arts Admin & Cultural Management: Postgraduate Certification: Humber College
1995/00 Expressive & visual art, writing & literature classes (ISIS, York, UofT, TSA)
1996 YWCA Life Skills Coaching Certification
1992/96 Creative Art Therapies Exchange
1984/88 Creative Writing with Dr. Barbara Turner Vessalago Ph.D.
